MMD BLOG


CATEGORY:

SELF-CARE + BURNOUT

SELF CARE AT TARGET? MAYBE.

 Modern Mommy Doc


PUBLICATION DATE:

November 28, 2022

SELF CARE AT TARGET? MAYBE.

 Modern Mommy Doc

CATEGORY: SELF-CARE + BURNOUT

Recently TikToks and reels keep showing up in my algorithm about how going to Target is a form of self-care. It’s mostly been tongue in cheek about how it’s their home away from home, where they feel most relaxed, and where they get their wine.


But then I saw
this article in The LA Times. The author talks to a few different women and how they use the retailer as their regular form of self-care. And not just in a “messy buns and Target runs” kinda way. In a purposeful, rejuvenating way.


All the women spoke of their different experiences going through
Target and what exactly about it made them feel soothed. The ability to grab coffee, to browse things that were beautiful, to know that most anything in the store is accessible price-wise (versus window shopping at a designer store on 5th Avenue), and to mindlessly wander without fear of judgment or other tiny humans (and big ones for that matter) needing something from you.


It made me think. What these women were describing did sound like self-care. They were carving out a sustainable, relaxing, and meaningful routine. They were making time for themselves. And when they left, they said they felt better than when they walked in.


And I’m all for that.


But it made me wonder two questions: 


1) What is the thing for me (and other working mamas) that makes us feel this same way? Does a trip to
Target actually make you feel less stressed? Or is it a long walk through your neighborhood with no music, no podcast–just nature? Or is it a really hard workout and a massage? Whatever it is, FIND THAT THING AND DO IT. 


2) Does mindlessly shopping at Target make us focus on joy or happiness? Are we just looking for our next shot of serotonin when we essentially “add to cart” that Magnolia throw blanket (when we have a whole basket of them next to the couch) or that $20 candle that we’ll burn once before we forget about it?


Is Target REALLY lowering our stress or are we just buying things to kinda numb ourselves for a couple hours? I know for me, it totally feels good to toss something beautiful in my cart. But that feeling is nowhere in sight when I take a look at my house and know that it’s over cluttered with stuff I definitely don’t need.


That’s what I really want to remind you (and myself) as we’re in the midst of holiday shopping season. Are we buying the things that we know our kids will love and really use past the first of the year? Or are we sending stuff to our front door via our favorite 2-day shipper just because it’s on sale? Or because we have to have the tree full of gifts to put out that family photo on the ‘gram?


Again, I’m all for beautiful and meaningful gifts that are bought with intentionality. But one woman in the article said that she went into Target “for shower cleaner and a cooler and is leaving with $271.01 in merchandise — and a mellowed mood.” But how long does that last? Until the credit card bill comes?


I can’t emphasize enough that I sit here with zero judgment. If it TRULY gives you lasting joy, you do you mama!


I just want you to know that the holidays (and everyday life, really) can be fulfilling and what you’ve dreamed of without buying your happiness with every swipe.


Love you mama!


xoxo,

Dr. Whitney

Raising Body-Confident Kids Starts at the Doctor's Office!

START NOW
By Dr. Whitney December 17, 2025
About the Episode: In this episode, Dr. Whitney sits down with Dr. Jay Gargus and Dave Justus from NeuroQure to discuss the power of early clarity when it comes to autism detection and why earlier intervention can fundamentally change outcomes for childre n and families. Dr. Gargus explains the science behind early behavioral therapies and why their impact goes far beyond short-term skill-building. Research shows that early, evidence-based interventions can lead to measurable, lifelong improvements in IQ, so cial skills, independence, and educational placement, often determining whether a child can thrive in mainstream education or requires ongoing specialized support. The conversation also tackles a critical and often overlooked issue: access. Dave Justus shares the personal motivation behind NeuroQure’s work and explains why the test is being launched at cost, with installment plans and employer subsidies, while the team works toward insurance coverage. The goal is to prevent families from losing precious years waiting for answers. Together, they emphasize a hopeful message for parents: families don’t need to wait for a future “silver bullet.” We already have therapies that work and getting kids connected to them earlier can change the course of a lifetime. In this episode, we discuss: Why early autism detection leads to lifelong changes—not just short-term gains What a 17-point IQ difference actually means for education, independence, and quality of life How early intervention can shift developmental trajectories as early as 6 months The science and validation behind current autism therapies Why NeuroQure is pricing testing at cost while pursuing insurance coverage How early clarity can reduce long-term strain on families, schools, and healthcare systems This episode is a powerful reminder that timing matters and that early access to answers can make an extraordinary difference for children and the families who love them. About Our Guest: Dr. Jay Gargus, MD, PhD is a physician-scientist and nationally recognized expert in neurodevelopmental disorders, with decades of experience researching the biological underpinnings of autism. His work has focused on translating well-established science into meaningful, real-world interventions that can improve lifelong outcomes for children. Dr. Gargus emphasizes that early, evidence-based therapies are already available—and that connecting families to them sooner can fundamentally change developmental trajectories. Dave Justus is a parent and the founder of NeuroQure, whose work is driven by personal experience navigating delayed autism diagnosis and intervention. Motivated by the belief that early clarity can spare families years of uncertainty, Dave is focused on expanding access to early testing through cost-based pricing and ongoing efforts to secure insurance coverage. His mission is simple but powerful: ensure families don’t have to wait for answers that could change everything. Want to Start Raising Body-Confident Kids Today? 📘 Order the Book Order your copy of My One-of-a-Kind Body 👉 www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com/books 🎁 Claim Your Free Bonus When you order on our site, you’ll also get access to a FREE video mini-course with five bite-sized lessons for parents. In just 25 minutes, you’ll walk away with: Simple, script-style ways to respond when your kid says, “I hate my thighs” How to talk about health without weight talk What to do when your own inner critic shows up How to interrupt diet culture at home The first step to raising a body-confident kid, even if you didn’t grow up as one 📩 Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
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ON THE PODCAST


By Dr. Whitney December 17, 2025
About the Episode: In this episode, Dr. Whitney sits down with Dr. Jay Gargus and Dave Justus from NeuroQure to discuss the power of early clarity when it comes to autism detection and why earlier intervention can fundamentally change outcomes for childre n and families. Dr. Gargus explains the science behind early behavioral therapies and why their impact goes far beyond short-term skill-building. Research shows that early, evidence-based interventions can lead to measurable, lifelong improvements in IQ, so cial skills, independence, and educational placement, often determining whether a child can thrive in mainstream education or requires ongoing specialized support. The conversation also tackles a critical and often overlooked issue: access. Dave Justus shares the personal motivation behind NeuroQure’s work and explains why the test is being launched at cost, with installment plans and employer subsidies, while the team works toward insurance coverage. The goal is to prevent families from losing precious years waiting for answers. Together, they emphasize a hopeful message for parents: families don’t need to wait for a future “silver bullet.” We already have therapies that work and getting kids connected to them earlier can change the course of a lifetime. In this episode, we discuss: Why early autism detection leads to lifelong changes—not just short-term gains What a 17-point IQ difference actually means for education, independence, and quality of life How early intervention can shift developmental trajectories as early as 6 months The science and validation behind current autism therapies Why NeuroQure is pricing testing at cost while pursuing insurance coverage How early clarity can reduce long-term strain on families, schools, and healthcare systems This episode is a powerful reminder that timing matters and that early access to answers can make an extraordinary difference for children and the families who love them. About Our Guest: Dr. Jay Gargus, MD, PhD is a physician-scientist and nationally recognized expert in neurodevelopmental disorders, with decades of experience researching the biological underpinnings of autism. His work has focused on translating well-established science into meaningful, real-world interventions that can improve lifelong outcomes for children. Dr. Gargus emphasizes that early, evidence-based therapies are already available—and that connecting families to them sooner can fundamentally change developmental trajectories. Dave Justus is a parent and the founder of NeuroQure, whose work is driven by personal experience navigating delayed autism diagnosis and intervention. Motivated by the belief that early clarity can spare families years of uncertainty, Dave is focused on expanding access to early testing through cost-based pricing and ongoing efforts to secure insurance coverage. His mission is simple but powerful: ensure families don’t have to wait for answers that could change everything. Want to Start Raising Body-Confident Kids Today? 📘 Order the Book Order your copy of My One-of-a-Kind Body 👉 www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com/books 🎁 Claim Your Free Bonus When you order on our site, you’ll also get access to a FREE video mini-course with five bite-sized lessons for parents. In just 25 minutes, you’ll walk away with: Simple, script-style ways to respond when your kid says, “I hate my thighs” How to talk about health without weight talk What to do when your own inner critic shows up How to interrupt diet culture at home The first step to raising a body-confident kid, even if you didn’t grow up as one 📩 Subscribe to The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast for more episodes on parenting with confidence and clarity. Leave a review using the hashtag #ModernMommyDoc.
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